USA

derripender@hotmail.com

Her Body Betrays Her

Hesitant, stumbling, reaching to grasp anything in sight,
Step by anxious step she learns to walk.
Her parents are proud,
She learns fast at 12 months.
Her age defines her.

Hesitant, stumbling, reaching to grasp anything in sight,
Step by anxious step she tries to walk.
Her family worries,
She refuses to quit at 42.
Her body betrays her.

Fingers grasping, fumbling, often refusing to cooperate.
Eyes shining, fear and yet joy evident in them.
Finally, the button holds,
She is good at 3.
Her age defines her.

Fingers grasping, fumbling, often refusing to cooperate.
Eyes shining, fear and often anger evident in them.
Finally, the button holds,
This shouldn’t happen at 42.
Her body betrays her.

Hitting, catching, throwing, softball took some time to learn.
The hard work and the practice paying off.
Her pride apparent as she makes the team.
She is the best at 18.
Her age defines her.

Hitting, catching, throwing, softball took some time to learn.
The hard work and the practice now only a dream.
Her sadness hidden as she uses her cane,
On the sidelines at 42.
Her body betrays her.

College, husband, career, family, the progression normal,
Her lifelong dream of her future unfolding.
Interrupted suddenly by Multiple Sclerosis - -
Her age no longer defines her
As her body betrays her.

© Copyright, Derri S. Pender.
All Rights Reserved. Printed By Permission.